Here’s How to Save Gas with 3 Simple Driving Hacks

Efficiency isn’t easy, but saving money sure is fun.

There’s much contending with your car’s ability to maximize efficiency: hiccupping traffic, the need for speed, and the climate, among other factors.

However, the biggest influencer in how to save gas comes down to your driving behaviors. Here are three ways to improve your vehicle’s efficiency.

Refrain from aggressive driving

There’s nothing more exhilarating than accelerating from an idled position and leaving other motorists in the dust. And while speed channels unbridled joy, your car is much less appreciative, as it has to work harder to meet your demands.

The harder your vehicle has to work, the less efficient it will be. Because of this, it’s important to refrain from accelerating rapidly from an idled position or braking quickly. Both of these behaviors can reduce your car’s efficiency by as much as 40 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Keep the roof clear

Aerodynamic drag is another factor that hurts your vehicle’s ability to optimize efficiency.

One way to lower drag is to keep the roof of your vehicle free from items such as cargo boxes. Doing this can improve your fuel efficiency significantly, especially at interstate speeds.

Adhere to speed limits

Driving the speed limit might seem a bit dull, but you’ll be surprised at how much it results in fuel savings. The U.S. Department of Energy states for every 5 miles per hour you drive past 50 mph, you’ll pay an additional $0.17 per gallon of gas.

This doesn’t seem like much on the surface, however; the more you do it, the more it adds up.

If you take the highway regularly and you drive on average 70 miles per hour, you are paying an $0.68 per gallon of gas. Now add this amount to every gallon of gas you pay for on a weekly basis and you’ll see over time how much more the speed costs you.